Police held as Isonga halts Mukura’s title bid

PNFL, YesterdayMarines 1-1 Rayon Espoir 1-2 La JeunessePolice 0-0 APR Isonga 1-0 MukuraTodayNyanza vs AS Kigali Kiyovu vs Etincelles A goalless draw helped title favourites Police salvage a point against defending champions APR in a Primus National Football League match played yesterday at Amahoro stadium.Champions APR had a blistering start, creating several opportunities in the first half but poor finishing, which has been their Achilles heel this season, once again left them frustrated. Skipper Olivier Karekezi had the first real scoring opening on the 22nd minute when he dribbled past defender Deo Othieno for only to shoot just wide off the target.Karekezi also wasted a freekick from a decent area two minutes later. Thailand-born St Preux Leonel shot high on 30th minute.Police had it tough going forward as Burundian Laudit Mavugo was well marshaled by the central defensive partnership of Ismail Nshutiyamagara and Mbuyu Twite.In the second half, both sides stepped up the gear in search for goals with St. Preux leading another offensive and managed to split the Police defense but his shot was deflected out for a corner by Othieno.Police’s skipper Meddie Kagere had two efforts well saved by goalie Jean Claude Ndoli, who made a fine save on 70th minutes but a few moments later Mavugo rounded off Albert Ngabo to shoot but the Amavubi custodian tipped out for a corner.With ten minutes to go, Dan Wagaluka got another clear chance for APR following a nice pass from St. Preux but the Ugandan midfielder saw his chipped effort come off the woodwork. The draw leaves Police on top of the table standings with 35 points while APR remains on third spot four points off the pace.The biggest losers on the day were Mukura, whose title hopes suffered a big blow after their 1-0 loss to Isonga at the Kigali regional stadium, Nyamirambo. Farouk Saifi Ruhinda scored the winning goal for the youthful side.Mukura is one point behind leaders Police while Isonga remains on sixth position with 23 points.In Rubavu, Rayon Sports also dropped points following a 1-all draw against Marines while La Jeunesse secured maximum points away to Espoir with a 2-1 victory.